29
Nov

Holiday Gift Idea:LeapFrog Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus *Giveaway*

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As a huge fan of anything that LeapFrog makes, I knew which section to head directly to in the toy store to shop for my 10 month old nephew.  My 2 and 3 year olds already play with and love the maracas to the Leapster  Explorer and now our newest addition the LeapPad, so I knew that I would find the perfect gift in the LeapFrog section.

Why We Love It

The LeapFrog Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus caught my eye and is a great gift for ages 9 – 36 months and at a reasonable cost of $29.99. It offers unlimited fun for a curious child while teaching them colors and numbers. The reason I always gravitate to LeapFrog when gift shopping is because they are both fun and educational.  The toddler takes the colorful balls and places them in one of the 2 spots at the top of the octopus and then lifts up the shoe to rediscover the disappeared ball.  The game helps to develop hand eye coordination and allows the child to learn basic colors.  The Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus is fun and entertaining with a peek-a-boo surprise that every child is sure to love.

Written by Karen, Cool Baby Kid Team

Disclaimer

A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Details

Ages: 9-36 months

Retail Price: $29.99

Purchase at:

LeapoFrog.com, Amazon

Cool Giveaway:  Sometimes I wish I had lots of arms like an Octopus! If you had an extra hand, would would you accomplish with it? Comment on this post to win a LeapFrpg Peek-a-Shoe Talking Octopus. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 12/11/11.

 

 

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Education Corner, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , , ,
15
Nov

LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad for Toddlers *Giveaway*

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Reminicent of My Pal Scout & Violet, the LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad customizes play and thrills little ones with personalized favorites including their name. Let’s face it…kids want what we have. When Mom and Dad use smart phones and pads, even the youngest children want in on the action. A much safer alternative than handing over our tech toys, LeapFrog innovations like LeapPad for preschoolers and now the My Own Storytime Pad for toddlers fill a gap in the educational tech toy segment. With a cracked iPad screen–luckily it was Dad’s and not Mom’s–I can persononally vouch for the fact that even supervised it is not advisable to let youngsters borrow “the real thing.”  Styled similarly to adult pads, the LeapFrog versions give a sense of ownership over less educaional and child-friendly ones.

Here’s a run-down of some of the features:

  • Hold 5 stories, 10 songs and 3 emails
  • Customizable “emails” so you can say “I Love you!”
  • Teaches the alphabet and phonics
  • Personalize with child’s name, favorite songs and stories
  • Press the paw and letters make silly sounds
  • Play messages from favorite LeapFrog characters
  • Connect to LeapFrog Learning Path for progress monitoring

At $29.99 retail price geared for ages 2-4, the low price point makes My Own Storytime Pad a perfect gift idea for the toddler age group. The pad comes in both green and purple, though I would never suggest a gender specific color since my three year old son is asking for everything pink this Christmas. To each his own!

Disclaimer:A product sample were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip: Purchase LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad from our Amazon affiliate link for $23.99.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a LeapFrog My Own Storytime Pad by sharing on this post your all-time favorite LeapFrog product. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 11/29/11.

Filed Under: Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , ,
11
Nov

LeapFrog Solar System Adventure Pack *Giveaway*

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To prove my love affair with LeapFrog, check out the number of  toy reviews I’ve conducted over the years on one of my all-time favorite companies. From baby to preschooler and big kids, they are my go-to source for educational toys.  Last season I was first introduced to the Tag United States of America Map and Tag World Map. Since then my children have learned about places all over the world thanks to one of our favorites pasttimes. We have both Tag and Tag Junior located both upstairs for bedtime and downstairs for learning time. And now with the Tag Solar System Adventure Pack we’ve added to our collection of Tag activities. It includes over 40 activities teaching everything from planets to comets like the one we’ve been hearing about in the news recently. The adventure pack even includes  interactive stickers with the most advanced positive reinforcment system to date. As a teacher I’d love have the ability to use iteractive stickers. Maybe someday…

Here’s a quick look at the Tag Solar System Adventure Pack in action:

While one lucky winner is receiving our top pick this holiday season, LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer,  another will be able to learn about everything from seasons to our solar system on a two-sided board which allow users to both learn and play games. Enter our cool giveaway and be sure to visit LeapFrog.com on Black Friday where they’re sure to offer fantastic deals. Last year we loaded up on Tag Books, and it’s one of my first planned stops as I gear up for holiday shopping post-Thanksgiving this year.

Disclaimer: Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own.

Cool Tip: Purchase Tag Reader system and LeapFrog Tag Solar System Adventure Pack through our Amazon affiliate links.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win a LeapFrog Tag Reader and Solar System Adventure Pack by commenting on this post with your favorite LeapFrog product of all time!

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 11/25/11.

Filed Under: Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , ,
01
Nov

Our #1 Hot Holiday Toy Pick: All New LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer *Giveaway*

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Another LeapFrog innovation scores high marks with the entire family. It’s no secret we’re huge LeapFrog fans. Throughout the years Fridge Magnets to Tag and Tag Jr. have been learning staples with both of our children. Now a toddler and preschooler, they want more than ever to be like mom and dad. The LeapFrog LeapPad allows them to have their own “pads” which are infinitely more durable than their parents’ tech toys begin designed for kids.

Out of the box, I first noticed the screen…the largest among LeapgFrog tech toys such as Explorer. Using the built-in camera we took pictures of each child and used it to create a profile. Now they can click their own pictures and names during sign in so Learning Path can track their progress and achievements. A built in tilt-sensor is immediately apparent even on the home screen as your child’s pet slide across the screen when tilted. Now only can they make over their pet, the Pet Pad app and “trick time” functions as a build-in Scribble & Write, another of our favorite LeapFrog products, helping little ones learn to write their letters.

As an English teacher, the reading apps are my personal favorite. LeapPad turns reading into an interactive experience complete with sounds and dynamic moving pictures. In “Reading Mode” users can choose three reading levels essentially giving them three books in one. Best yet, starting at level one LeapPad will even automatically adjust reading levels as the child progresses. A built-in vocabulary skill builder is the coolest feature ever! Click on an underline word in the text and a screen pops up which shows a picture and definition of the word as the LeapPad reads and pronounces it out loud. Parents or children can also record their own reading voice to playback with the story. The learning possibilites seem endless with this ultra-awesome app. Here are some others’ we enjoyed:

  • With Nemo, Dora, Woddy, Buzz and more all in one game, Pixar Pals quickly became a favorite of my animal-loving daugher who is learning science and reasoning which works great for this Language Arts teacher.
  • Pet Pals 2,  on the other hand, is my son’s go-to game. With an emotional attachment to his furry friend, he hardly realizes addition and substraction are taking center stage as we attempt to win the dog show!
  • School is in session with LeapSchool Reading, my personalfavorite which includes 26 games to help teaching early reading skills appropriate for children ages 4-7.

While a stylus is included, a drawback for some who may be afraid to loose it, the good news is included. LeapPad’s touchscreen also works without it as well. Another favorite feature of LeapPad is the included “Story Studio” app. Users can create a story all about themselves! Using pictures and their own artwork, pages can be added to a virtual book entitled “All ABout Me.” Themed pages include topics such as birthday, feelings and expressions (i.e. “Today I feel…) and my family. Press play to listen to the story!

There are so many features in the new LeapPad with the ones featured only scratching the surface. We’re planning to purchase a second pink LeapPad for Christmas so each child can have their own. My prediction…this will be the hot toy for the holiday this year, and with hundreds of apps including characters the kids love–Disney Princesses, Toy Story and Cars, Dora and Star Wars– as well as plenty of learning games such as LeapSchool Reading, Mr. Pencil and more, there are plenty of gift ideas to choose from.

Disclaimer: Product samples were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% our own. 

Cool Tip: Purchase LeapFrog LeapPad and learning games from our Amazon affiliate links above and be sure to get your games loaded and connected so when Christmas morning arrives your child is ready to play! Check out even more LeapFrog picks.

Cool Giveaway:Enter to win a LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer plus three game cartridge-(Pet Pals 2, Pixar Pals and LeapSchool Reading–a nearly $175 value! Comment on this post with your favorite LeapFrog product of all time!

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information; we announce winners on Prizey.net. Contest ends 11/15/11.

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Education Corner, Featured, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks · Tagged With: , , , , ,
17
Oct

Splish Splash! by Gamewright: Fun for the Whole Family *Giveaway*

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Some of my favorite activities with the kids include movie night, dance parties and playing games. Like Disney World, each of these is fun for both adults and kids making our time together more enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong, I can last a good fifteen minutes playing “kitchen,” but after the tenth “I would like cupcakes for dessert” my mind begins to wander.

I was first introduced to Gamewright at Toy Fair and impressed with their unique offerings of games and puzzles, reviewed Take the Cake, a game my daughter and I especially like as big cupcake fans. This time we tried out Splish Splash! which easily proved to be another hit. My three year old son loves to throw rocks into bodies of water, so when I realized the object of the game was to drop the pebble into the pond and match shapes which splash out to your game card, I immediately knew it was be up his alley. A learning opportunity to count, identify and match colors, and learn taking turns, I highly recommend Splish Splash! which is appropriate for ages 4 and up. Gamewright offers fun for every age category including 3 and up, 6 and up, 8 and up and 10 and up with over fifty games in repertoire of this parent-created company.

Disclaimer: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% mine.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win Splish Splash! by visiting Gamewright and commenting back here about their offerings. For extra entries:

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the prize claim information as we announce winners on Prizey.net. Expires 10/31/11.

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Education Corner, Giveaways Galore, Toddler & Preschooler · Tagged With: , , , , ,
11
Oct

Top Ten Hot Holiday Toy Picks *2011*

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Lite Sprites *Wow Wee Toys*

Recommended Age: 6M-4Y
Retail Price: Various
Comments: We absolutely love these color-capturing Lite Sprites. Build a Lite-Topia world with Sprites, Pods, Playsets and even Lite Pets.

LeapPad Explorer *LeapFrog*

Recommended Age: 4-9Y
Retail Price: $139.97
Comments: This starter bundle includes a $40 app card and is the perfect way to get started with our #1 toy pick.

Squinkies *Blip Toys*

Recommended Age: 4Y and up
Retail Price: Various
Review: Though a hot holiday pick from 2010, Squinkies with an all new boy line, Disney, Marvel and more, are as hot ever!

Hearts for Hearts Dolls *Playmates Toys*

Recommended Age: 6Y and up
Retail Price: $29.99
Review: A standout toy from Time to Play, i was immediately drawn to Hearts for Hearts Girks, beautiful dolls from six countries with a portion of proceeds to WorldVision helping empower girls around the world.

Voice Rockrz Mic & First Act Musical Instruments

Recommended Age: 3 and up
Retail Price: $24.99
Review: Between voice altering microphone Voice Rockrz and other musical instruments including cool kids' guitars, First Act Discovery is music to little ones' ears.

Playskool Heroes *Hasbro*

Recommended Age: 3 and up
Retail Price: $29.99 (pictured)
Review: Action figures and playsets for the young boys' age group such as Marvel Super Heroes (pictured) were hard to come by before the advent of Playskool Heroes and Transformers Rescue Bots which are chunkier for little hands.

Appmates *Spinmaster & Disney Consumer Products*

Recommended Age: 4+
Retail Price$12.99 (single)
Review: If your kids have taken over the iPad like mine, why not harness their inner Lightening McQueen with Appmates, an innovative, interactive toy/tech gadget which revolutionizes iPad play.

Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case *Fisher-Price*

Recommended Age: 6M and up
Retail Price: $14.99
Review: Genius! Encase your iPhone or iPod Touch so the little one stays on a chosen app without the ability to call your contacts. This was another Time to Play Holiday Showcase standout that I fell in love with instantly.

Chuggington Wooden Railway Trainee Roundhouse

Recommended Age: 3Y an up
Retail Price: $119.00
Review: The Trainee Roundhouse Set is a perfect starter for what promises to be years of Chuggington Wooden Railway fun. The Over & Under Start Set at $59.99 is a great lower price point starter as well.
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Filed Under: As Seen In, Baby Picks, Big Kids Corner, Editor's Picks, Featured, Gift Guides, Giveaways Galore, Picks & Tips, Toddler & Preschooler, Top Picks, Tween Hangout · Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
07
Jul

A Cool New Educational Toy Find–Twisterz *Giveaway*

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If you haven’t yet heard of Twisterz, there’s a good chance you will. But remember, Cool Baby Kid is brining it to you first! Readers know we love educational toys that help kids learn while having fun at the same time. Twisterz offer just that, a neat new twist on learning the alphabet, matching, story building and more. Each ring on a tube twists allowing little hands to match pictures which begin with particular letter sounds. Or, with the Word Builder, they can build words between two and six letters long. The Story Starter could even be used in classrooms to give students writing prompts and ideas since it also encourages parts of a story, such as introductions, which is a valuable lesson for young writers.

Branded Scholastic Twizterz include WordGirl™ Word Builder and Clifford Category Matcher which add familiar faces to a new learning activity. Each Twizterz comes with additional rings; the tube’s end is removable allowing users to interchange letters, words and more for seemingly infinite learning possibilities. Find out where to purchase Twizterz or enter our giveaway for a chance to win three sets including the Alphabet Matcher, Story Starter and Word Builder. Seeing is believing, so be sure to visit their YouTube channel to see for yourself how it works. Alphabet Matcher by Twisterz Toys LLC was selected as one of the 100 Best Children’s Products for 2010 by Dr. Toy for a reason–it’s a great product which we’re happy to have discovered.

Disclosure: Sample products were provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions.

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win one of our top ten educational toys, Twisterz “Learning With a Twist” Prize Pack including Alphabet Matcher, Story Starter and Word Builder by commenting on this post answering the question, “What educational toy do you love and would include in a top ten?”

Check out even more entry possibilities if you’re really determined to win. Read the contest rules and prize claim information as we announce winners on Prizey.net. Expires 7/21/11.

 

Filed Under: Big Kids Corner, Education Corner, Giveaways Galore, Tween Hangout · Tagged With:
12
Apr

My First LEGO Set: Let the Cleanup Begin…

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Now that my babies have passed through toddlerhood into their pre-school years, I finally felt comfortable to allow LEGO play, although it turns out LEGO® DUPLO® and LEGO Bricks could would have been perfect for the kids at a younger age.  The fact that Brick Sets were launched in 1950 shows you I am most certainely a secondary and not primary teacher! My family started with My First LEGO® Set and already added to the collection. Of course the kids love LEGO as I knew they would; my son gravitates directly to the LEGO table during our mom and me class at school.

Aside from the fact that LEGO is simply fun for kids, their long history of learning through play from the World People Set (launched 1989) to LEGO® MINDSTORMS® and educations centers is well documented. After visiting their booth at the 2011 Toy Fair, I definitely have a few personal favorites:

The LEGO site is packed with games for all ages where you can also create your own LEGO page, join the LEGO club and much more. For additional cool picks, subscribe to CBK via RSS or email and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: A sample product was provided for review purposes; all opinions are 100% ours. Read our full disclaimer and frequently asked questions.

Cool Tip: “Give the gift of building this Easter” and check out the LEGO Easter shop and visit Cool Baby Kid’s Easter basket gift guide.

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